 Dr Peter Molan MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at The University of Waikato, New Zealand |
Research
University Research Confirms Honey as a Healer
Dr Peter Molan, MBE, Associate Professor in Biochemistry at The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, has researched the ancient healing properties of honey since 1981. He has found that honey heals primarily because of a natural hydrogen peroxide antibacterial property present in varying levels in most honeys.
Bees gather nectar from flowers. Back in the hive to help preserve the honey they add an enzyme, glucose oxidase, to the nectar when they are processing it into honey.
When honey comes into contact with body moisture the glucose oxidase enzyme slowly releases the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide. This is released at sufficient levels to be effective against bacteria but not tissue damaging.
In the research laboratory a catalase was added to honey samples to remove the hydrogen peroxide and then the honeys were tested to see if there was still any antibacterial activity.
Some manuka honey samples were found to still have significant antibacterial activity - a non-peroxide antibacterial activity.
This special non-peroxide antibacterial activity is called UMF (Unique Manuka Factor).
Click here to find out more about this important discovery and why the UMF property gives the honey enhanced healing qualities.
But the hydrogen peroxide antibacterial activity in honey can vary widely according to:
1. Honey floral type. Some floral nectars produce a catalase which destroys the glucose oxidase enzyme.
2. How the honey has been handled, especially during processing. The glucose oxidase enzyme is easily destroyed by heat, fluid and sunlight.
3. The hydrogen peroxide can be broken down by a catalase enzyme present in body tissue and serum, so reducing the antibacterial potency when used on a wound or infection.
